RI Veterans: PACT ACT deadline TODAY. When it doubt, fill it out – John A. Cianci

The PACT Act and your VA benefits

From the VA: The PACT Act is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances.

The PACT Act adds to the list of health conditions that we assume (or “presume”) are caused by exposure to these substances. This law helps us provide generations of Veterans—and their survivors—with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve.

This page will help answer your questions about what the PACT Act means for you or your loved ones. You can also call us at 800-698-2411 (TTY: 711). And you can file a claim for PACT Act-related disability compensation or apply for VA Health care now.

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“Complete the form and file with the VA. Let the VA put in writing that you are not eligible, as this could be used years from now when possible eligibility might be expanded. Moreover, entitled the veteran to thousands of dollars of retroactive benefits, which is currently happening with Vietnam veterans, Desert Storm veterans, and Camp Lejeune veterans,” said one veteran service officer for the Italian American War veterans. August 9th is the deadline to file Intent to File A Claim For compensation and or pension or survivor’s pension and or DIC.

The deadline only ensures you will have and receive one year retroactive compensation which could be worth thousands of dollars.

Missing the deadline does not prevent a veteran from filing after August 9th, 2023 for The PACT ACT or any other benefit he or she feels they are entitled to.

Filing the form gives you one year to file the actual claim and if you do not make the one year period there is no penalty and you can refile and stop the claim under normal VA procedures.

Listen to WPRO’s Tara Granahan interview with VA press secretary:

Should you file?

Am I eligible?

My husband died how do I know if he was eligible?

I don’t know where I served is included?

I don’t have my DD214 or discharge paperwork?

Any doubt fill out the form and file?

“I was blessed that a World War II / Korean War veteran, Michael Minutelli, who was a veteran service officer for the Italian American War veterans of US, and leaving active duty in 1996 befriended me and insisted I applied for benefits I did not know I was entitled to,” said John Cianci, Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi freedom, U.S. ArmyVeteran. “Unknown to me and others who served in the 119th and P company we were exposed to a cocktail of chemicals which included nerve gas sarin, lindaine, diesel fuel fumes burning human waste, and our own unit burn pit which burned 24 hours a day, thousands of water bottles and other debris that were thrown in for burning.”

The PACT ACT was legislation signed into law recognizing many of the toxins veterans have been exposed to not only overseas but also at military bases in the United States like Fort Drum, NY and Fort McClellan, AL. are two examples. Both of these bases have documented agent orange use which thousands of Rhode Islanders serving in the National Guard and the Army Reserve were exposed to during the annual training exercises, indoor basic and AIT training for military police.

If calling the VA, you must have the veterans social security number and date of birth. 

The number is 1-800-827-1000, 8;00 a.m to 9:00 p.m. When the voice recording starts, hit 0 and it should ask you for veterans name, social security number, and branch of Military he or she served.

After entering information, you will be put on hold. An operator will come on and ask additional questions.

Important you tell the operator you are filing VA Form 21-0966 Intent to File A Claim under PACT ACT.

You can also print up the phone from VA.gov, fill it out, and fax to VA at 844-531-7918.

In person assistance is available at VA regional office on Westminster Street Providence, and VA Providence Medical Center, Chalkstone Ave, Providence Rhode Island during normal business hours.

Additionally, you can file on VA.gov.

Bottom line, if your a veteran and or survivor you should file for additional VA benefits that you can be entitled to.

If you miss the August 9th, 2023 deadline no worries, just fill out the Intent to File Claim form as soon as you can and assistance is available from the VFW, DAV, American legion, Italian American War veterans of us, and other veteran organizations to assist you in completing the claim process.

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To read all columns in this series go to: https://rinewstoday.com/john-a-cianci/  

John A. Cianci is a Veteran Service Officer. Retired, U.S. Army MSgt., Persian Gulf War and Iraq War combat theater.

Cianci, a combat disabled Veteran, served in Desert Shield/Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. His awards include Bronze Star, Combat Action Badge, Good Conduct, and others.

Cianci belongs to numerous veterans organizations – Italian American War Veterans, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign War, and many more organizations. He is an active volunteer assisting veterans to navigate federal and state benefits they have earned. He is Department of Rhode Island Department Commander Italian American War Veterans and Veteran Service Officer.

He is a graduate of Roger Williams University (BS Finance), UCONN Business school* (Entrepreneur Bootcamp for Veterans), Solar Energy International Residential, Commercial and Battery Based Photovoltaic Systems certificate programs, numerous certificates from the Department of Defense renewable energy programs, including graduate of the Solar Ready Vets Program.